Lavatory cleansing devices

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispensing unit for a toilet bowl comprises a first container containing a first, liquid formulation, a second container containing a second formulation, which may be a solid tablet. The liquid from container flows onto a delivery surface from where it is washed into the toilet bowl by the flush water. Some flush water also washes over the second formulation to take components into solution and deliver them into the toilet bowl through aperture. The constituents of the two formulations are thus kept separate until they enter the toilet bowl. The second formulation may also be a liquid.

[0001] This invention relates to lavatory cleansing devices fordelivering fragrance and cleansing products to a lavatory bowl. Theinvention is particularly concerned with devices delivering a liquidproduct such as a perfume, surfactant or disinfectant, particularly inthe form of a solution, dispersion or suspension, together with ableach, or other relatively aggressive product such as a limescaleremover, and for delivering it to a toilet bowl under the action ofwater used to flush the toilet bowl.

[0002] It has been known for a long time to provide so-called toiletautomatics in the form of a solid or semi-solid product, a ‘rim block’,to be mounted within the inner rim of a water closet bowl where theflushing water will wash over the product and so dissolve or erode it torelease active constituents into the water flow. Blocks may also beplaced on top of the cistern in Japanese style systems where water froma tap flows over the block and then into the cistern, and also may beplaced within the cistern below the water level, where they slowlyrelease constituents into the water.

[0003] These products have long been used to deliver a surfactant, aperfume and a dye to the toilet bowl. The surfactant provides a cleaningaction, whilst the dye and perfume provide a visual and olfactoryindication to the user that some cleansing effect is being achieved.Much effort has also been put into formulating rim blocks which willalso deliver a bleaching agent, such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate, tothe toilet bowl and these have been successfully developed and marketedby the present applicants.

[0004] Different considerations apply when formulating products whichdose the water in the cistern and products which dose directly into thetoilet bowl. With a solid block, the block will be completely immersedin water when used in the cistern, but will be exposed onlyintermittently to flush water when used in the toilet bowl.

[0005] Many different mechanisms have been proposed for dosing solid orliquid formulations into the cistern, making use of movement of water inthe cistern. For dosing directly into the toilet bowl, the long usedsystem has been a solid block which is housed in a cage suspended in thepath of the flush water as it enters the bowl.

[0006] More recently, products have been developed for dosing a liquidtoilet freshening product directly into the toilet bowl, in a similarmanner to rim blocks, providing a so-called liquid rim product. Forexample, EP-A-0 538 957 describes a device that can be mounted on theinner rim of a water closet bowl to dose a liquid freshening productinto the flushing water. In this device, the liquid product is dosedinto the water flow from a porous substrate, forming a delivery platewhich is disposed in the path of the flushing water. The poroussubstrate is supplied with the liquid product from a container disposedabove the substrate, a mouth at the bottom of the container has a liquidpermeable plug which opens onto the upper surface of the substrate.

[0007] E-A-0 785 315 describes a development of the device discussedabove. The same basic principle of delivering a liquid product into aflow of water from a porous substrate is employed. However, liquidproduct from the container is deposited onto the upper surface of thesubstrate via a regulating channel. The liquid is metered into thechannel through an orifice and a separate opening allowing air into theinterior of the container is provided. The sizes of the metering orificeand the air opening are related to the viscosity of the liquid beingdosed.

[0008] WO 99/66139 and WO 99/66140 describe numerous variations of theliquid rim product, including different styles of delivery plate inplace of the porous plate of EP-A-0 538 957, while WO 00/42261 describesa design which uses a grooved plate.

[0009] All of the above systems use the same basic idea of deliveringliquid directly from the container's mouth onto the delivery plate.

[0010] Further developments of the liquid rim system are described inco-pending applications Nos. GB 0026832.6 and WO 01/32995 which areincorporated herein by reference.

[0011] EP-A-775 741 describes a liquid formulation suitable for use inliquid rim products. This formulation comprises perfume, anionic ornon-ionic surfactant, evaporation regulator and a solvent. EP-A-775 741also mentions that a bleaching or disinfecting agent, such ashypochlorite, peroxide or isocyanurate can be incorporated in the liquidformulation but no actual formulation is described.

[0012] A problem with bleach formulations, whether of the liquid orsolid type, is that the bleach can have an adverse effect on otherconstituents in the formulation and on the delivery device itself,particularly where it is desirable to use a transparent container sothat the user can see the color of the formulation, and can also seewhen the supply is nearly exhausted and a refill is required. Forexample, good quality perfumes are not compatible with bleaches.Typically, PVC and PET are used for molding liquid rim devices, but highdensity polyethylene or polypropylene would be preferred materials for ableach system.

[0013] We overcome the above problems by providing a liquid rim productin which separate sources of agents which are generally incompatible,such as a bleaching agent or limescale remover on the one hand and asurfactant, dye and/or perfume on the other hand, are provided. This hasthe benefit of not only simplifying the formulation of the sourcesthemselves, but also giving greater flexibility in the manufacture ofthe delivery device.

[0014] It has been suggested to separate incompatible constituents whenutilising solid or liquid compositions, such as described in U.S. Pat.No. 3,504,384, U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,606 and U.S. Pat. No. 4 248 827 whichare dosed into the toilet cistern, but no successfull commercialapplication of this idea has been achieved. We believe has been nosuggestion of using separate sources of material when dispensing aliquid formulation at the rim of the toilet bowl, or incorporating solidand liquid formulations in a rim dispensing device.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention provides a lavatory cleansingdevice for use in a toilet bowl comprising a first container containinga first, liquid formulation and a second container containing a secondformulation, and delivering means for automatically delivering theformulations under the action of flush water.

[0016] Preferably, the delivery means comprises a delivery surface, thefirst formulation being delivered onto the delivery surface, and flushwater of the toilet runs over the delivery surface to carry the firstformulation into the water in the toilet bowl. Very preferably the firstand second formulations are kept substantially separate by the deliverymeans and so do not come into contact until they have mixed with theflush water. In particular it is desired that the formulations do notcome into substantial contact at the lavatory cleansing device inbetween flushes of the toilet bowl.

[0017] In another form, a wick may extend into a container containingthe or a liquid formulation and the liquid formulation is drawn from thecontainer by flush water running over the wick. DE-A-3 419 169 describessuch devices.

[0018] As noted above, the second formulation may be an acidicformulation. Such formulations are intended, in particular, to reducelimescale formation and build up in the toilet bowl.

[0019] It has been found that a delivery system using a textile surfacecan provide for a faster and better spread of a viscous liquid over adosing area, as compared to a porous substrate or grooved plate of theprior art. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed thatthe relatively fine surface structure of the textile surface maycontribute to the improved spreading characteristics.

[0020] The better spread of the viscous liquid counters its greaterresistance to dissolution and dispersal in the flushing water, ascompared to the more easily dispersed low viscosity liquids.

[0021] Very preferably the viscous liquid is not absorbed, or notabsorbed substantially into the textile and so it is washed off morereadily by flushing water in a toilet bowl, or evaporates more readilyto atmosphere to provide improved fragrance. A hydrophobic textile ispreferred.

[0022] Textile material is a material or fabric made from fibers, yarnsor filaments (herein referred to generally as fibers). The material maybe non-woven, in which fibers are bonded, fused or interlocked, but amaterial made by interweaving, intertwining or interlooping (referred togenerally herein as weaving or knitting) is preferred.

[0023] The material may be of quite dense structure when seen in plan,so as to present a substantially continuous surface, with few if anyvoids between adjacent fibers. Although an open weave structure has alsobeen found to work well. By virtue of the weaving or knitting process,the textile will have a textured or three dimensional surface.

[0024] The surface of the material may be compacted, that is with fewfibers or fibrous elements projecting from the surface, and the surfacetexture having a low profile or height.

[0025] One textile material which may be used is a polyester knittedfabric such as used for net curtain material or heavier use such asfilter material.

[0026] Some degree of trial and experimentation may be required to matchthe textile material and weave to the viscosity and surface tension ofthe liquid, and the physical design parameters of the delivery device.

[0027] A liquid component can be delivered from a container directlyonto the delivery surface or the upper surface of the fabric from above,for example using devices of the type seen in EP-A-538 957, WO 99/66139and WO 00/42261. However it is particularly preferred to deliver theliquid from a cup located below the delivery surface or fabric. Acapillary system then delivers the liquid up on to the delivery surfaceor fabric surface. The capillary may be a series of grooves or channels,a porous member, or a wick of cellulose, polyester or the like as usedin air fresheners, for example. A system for delivering liquid onto theupper surface of a delivery plate is described in co-pending applicationNo. WO 01/32995. Such a system is suitable for use with the fabric ortextile surface, which is described in more detail in co-pendingapplication No GB 0026832.6.

[0028] The second formulation, preferably a bleach or acid formulation,may be a liquid also, and may be delivered using a mechanism similar tothose described above. However, it is particularly preferred that thesecond formulation is a solid and is housed adjacent the container forthe non-bleach containing formulation. The solid formulation may be asingle block or tablet or several tablets, pellets, granules, etc. Thesecond formulation may also be a paste or gel.

[0029] Preferably, the tablet(s), pellets, granules etc. are housed in asubstantially enclosed space which has openings to allow flushing waterto enter the space and wash out some of the components into the lavatorycistern, but will inhibit access by the user in normal use. Pellets orgranules may conveniently be held in a mesh bag.

[0030] More preferably, flush water is held in contact with the solidformulation for a short period of time before passing into the toiletbowl. This ensures sufficient time to dissolve constituents of theformulation, and also that the solution is delivered at the end of theflushing cycle and so is not immediately carried out of the toilet bowlby the flushing water,

[0031] The solid formulation may contain a dye or colorant. Although acolorant may be used in a liquid formulation, to give an intense colorin the toilet bowl a high concentration is required. This may lead tounsightly staining when delivering from a liquid product. By providing asolid colorant containing component, release of the dye id bettercontrolled. The blocks may contain dye, surfactant and a filler, similarin composition to the well known ‘BLOO’ (trade mark) blocks.

[0032] By providing separate formulations it is possible to provide adelivery mechanism which is better tailored to the properties of thedifferent components of the formulations. This is particularly importantwith bleaching agents because these agents can cause problems if theyare not handled properly. Care must be taken when formulating bleachingcompositions to avoid instability during manufacture or on shelf, whilstthe delivery mechanism should ensure minimum risk of contact with theuser and avoid any noticeable degradation of the product, such asdiscoloring of any dye component during use.

[0033] Thus, for example, we can provide a solid bleach formulationwhich will have a long shelf life and can, in use, deliver bleach overthe requisite period, typically 3 weeks or more.

[0034] By realising that the bleach component can and should bedelivered separately to the other cleansing or freshening components ina liquid rim device, we are able to obtain substantial improvements inthe manufacture, storage and in-use delivery of these components.

[0035] It is possible to provide a solid formulation which can havelimited contact by the user and so the enclosure may have a removablecover, for example, to allow refill by a user.

[0036] It will be appreciated that liquid refills are readily providedfor, the liquid and container being replaced as a single unit.

[0037] It is particularly preferred that the refill comprises thecombination of the liquid container and the solid cage provided as asingle unit.

[0038] Aspects of the invention are set forth in the accompanyingclaims.

[0039] The invention will be further described by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a lavatory cleansing deviceforming a first embodiment of the invention;

[0041]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0042]FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0043]FIG. 4 is a cross-section along the line A-A of FIG. 3;

[0044]FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 5, on circle B;

[0045]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0046]FIG. 7 is a perspective view on line C-C of FIG. 4;

[0047]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a refill for the device of FIG. 1;

[0048]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of theinvention, in which two liquid compositions are dispensed;

[0049]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the delivery plate of FIG. 9;

[0050]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of theinvention;

[0051]FIG. 12 is a front view partly cut away of the embodiment of FIG.11.

[0052]FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a modified tabletholder for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8;

[0053]FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the holder of FIG. 13,and

[0054]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the tablet holder of FIG. 13.

[0055]FIG. 16 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing asloping delivery plate and the device mounted on a rim of a toilet bowl.

[0056] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8, a lavatory cleansing device 2comprises a main support member 4 which carries a container 6 containinga liquid formulation 5 (see FIG. 5) and a cage 8 which houses a solidformulation. Container 6 and cage 8 are clipped together and areremovable from the mains support member 4. The combination of container6 and cage 8 form a refill, as seen in FIG. 8.

[0057] Support member 4 has a folded strap 10 on its rear wall 16. Strap10 is unfolded and hooked over the rim of a toilet bowl, as is wellknown in the art. Strap portion 10 a will bear against the inner wall ofthe toilet rim (see FIG. 16).

[0058] As more clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, a delivery plate 12,having a textile layer 14 on its upper surface, is attached to theunderside of the support member 4 and extends to the rear of the rearwall 16. In use, plate 12 will extend underneath the rim of the toiletbowl so that flush water will splash over the textile layer 14.

[0059] Plate 12 may be configured to abut the side wall of the toiletbowl to ensure collection of sufficient water in the toilet bowls,particularly US style bowls, in which the flush water is directed toflow down the wall rather than cascade turbulently from the rim.

[0060] As will be described more fully hereinafter, the lavatorycleansing device 2 incorporates, in effect, two delivery systems, afirst for delivering a liquid product and a second for deliveringcomponents from a solid product, whilst keeping the products separateand allowing for a single refill unit.

[0061] The liquid delivery system will be described first. Container 6is typically molded of clear or semi-transparent PET or PVC High densitypolyethylene or polypropylene may be used if the container contains, oris contacted by a bleach component, for example. Container 6 has anoutlet opening 17 closed by a cap 18 which has a frangible seal 20 and atubular collar 22 extending down below the seal 20. Prior to fracture,seal 20 extends across the inner end 23 of collar 22.

[0062] Delivery plate 12 molded of polypropylene has a cup 24 whichdepends downwardly from a main supporting surface 26. A spigot 28projects up from the bottom wall 30 of the cup 24.

[0063] The layer 14 of the textile material lays on the supportingsurface 26. Textile material layer 14 may be glued or welded to surface26, for example by ultrasonic welding or held flat by spikes projectingup from surface 26, for example.

[0064] Textile layer 14 has an aperture 38 which coincides with themouth of cup 24. Textile layer 14 need not fully surround cup 24. Therequirement is to deliver liquid from the cup to the exposed area of theplate 26 and textile layer 14.

[0065] Main support member 4 has a capillary member 32 integrally formedon a bottom wall 36 of support member 4. Capillary member 32 extendsthrough aperture 38 of textile layer 14, into the cup 24. Capillarymember 32 is cylindrical, and has capillary channels 40 formed in itsouter wall, facing the inner wall 42 of cup 24. Capillary channels 40extend up to the underside of bottom wall 36, and along a thickenedregion of wall 36, forming an L-shape which will overlap the textilelayer 14. Capillary channels 40 are positioned to deliver liquid ontothe textile layer 14.

[0066] Delivery plate 12, with textile layer 14 in position, is clippedto support member 4, for example by nibs 35 integrally formed on thewalls of support member 4, which clip under delivery plate 12.

[0067] In use, the container 6 is pushed into support member 4, spigot28 displacing the frangible seal 20 of cap 18. A ledge 39 formed in thewall of container 6 rests on the upper edge 41 of support 4. Ribs 43 onthe inside surface of support 4 engages in recesses 45 in the containerwall. Liquid 5 will flow from the container 6 into cup 24, throughcollar 22. Liquid from cup 24 is ducted up onto the upper surface 44 oftextile layer 14 by the capillary channels 40. Capillary channels 40co-operate with the inner wall 42 of cup 24 to duct the liquid upwards,until it passes into the upper leg 46 of capillary channels 40, whichextend over the fabric upper surface 44.

[0068] The liquid is then ducted away from the capillary channels 40 bythe texture of the textile, to spread slowly over the surface 44. It ispreferred that there is no substantial absorption into the textilelayer, thus a hydrophobic treatment may be preferred. One example of atextile layer is knitted on a Karl Meyer Raschel Jacquard=RMJG 5 FNEMachine, Warp (Pillar) 150/36 Semi Dull Polyester (Flat) Back Bar (TopCreel) 1/167 Textured Polyester, Front Bar (Bottom Creel) 2/167 Texturedpolyester. The presently preferred material is a Jacquard knittedpolyester of open weave, having Motions A B Front Bar Cut Cut Back BarCut Miss

[0069] Another fabric type is: Motions A B Front Bar Miss Cut Back BarCut Miss

[0070] This arrangement is particularly suited for use with viscousliquids. For less viscous liquids, the textile layer 14 may be dispensedwith, and the upper surface 26 of plate 12 may be textured, for examplewith radial grooves, to duct liquid over the surface. Initially, theliquid from container 6 will fill the cup 24 only to just above thelower edge 47 of the collar 22. As the liquid is ducted out of the cup24 by the capillary channels 40, the level of liquid in cup 24 fallsbelow the edge 46, allowing air to enter container 6, and so allowingmore liquid to flow from the container into cup 24 until edge 46 iscovered again.

[0071] Container cap 18 fits in a cylinder 49 extending up from the wall36, Grooves 51 are provided on the inside of the wall of cylinder 49 toallow air to enter cup 24. Wall 36 sits just clear of textile layer 14to allow liquid 5 to flow out over the surface of the textile. It hasbeen found that the spacing of the wall 36 from the supporting surface26, and hence the degree of compression, if any, of the textile 14affects the rate of delivery of the product from the well or cup 24.Hence some trial is required to optimise the spacing to suit theparticular textile, liquid viscosity, etc.

[0072] When the device is installed in a toilet bowl, flush water willflow over upper surface 44 of textile layer 14, washing the liquid fromthe textile surface.

[0073] Preferably, the liquid viscosity, capillary channel size, fabricsurface, etc. are tailored to replenish the surface 44 with a freshdosage of liquid within 30 seconds to 10 minutes after the toilet bowlhas been flushed.

[0074] The above liquid delivery arrangement is described in more detailin co-pending applications Nos. WO 01/32995 and GB 0026832.6, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] The other component of the cleaning device 2 is a solid tablet 50of bleaching agent. Tabletted bleaching agents are well known.

[0076] Tablet 50 is held in cage 8 which fits in support member 4, undercontainer 6. Cage 8 is molded of polypropylene and forms a cylindricalcup 52 in which tablet 14 sits. Front and rear walls 54, 55 extend upfrom the cup 52 to embrace the container 6.

[0077] Cage 8 is configured to receive a small amount of flush waterwhich percolates around tablet 50 to dissolve the bleach component andthen drips into the toilet bowl. It is desirable to separate the bleachcomponent from the liquid component of container 6 until they mix in thetoilet bowl. Thus, flush water exits cage 8 at an aperture 56 in thebottom wall 58 of cup 52 as seen most clearly in FIG. 7.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, an aperture 59 is formed in the rear wall 16of support member 4, level with the textile layer 14 on the deliveryplate 12. A corresponding aperture 60 in cylindrical cup 52 is alignedwith aperture 59. Flush water flowing onto the textile layer 14 willsplash through apertures 59, 60 and on to tablet 50. The water will thenflow down and out through aperture 56. Tablet 50 is supported on ribs61, to support the tablet over the conical bottom wall 58 of cup 52.Bottom wall 58 is aligned with an aperture 62 in delivery plate 12.

[0079] The textile layer 14 is fixed to delivery plate 12, which is thensnapped in place on the underside of the supporting member 4. The cage 8with a bleach tablet 50 in place is snapped onto the container 6, whichis filled with liquid surfactant mixture and closed by cap 18. At thepoint of use, the consumer pushes the container/cage unit into thesupporting member 4. Spigot 28 displaces seal 20, so that liquid fillscup 24 and is ducted onto the surface 44 of textile layer 14 asdescribed above. The unit is suspended at the rim of a toilet bowl,plate 12 extending into the flow of flush water.

[0080] When the toilet is flushed, the flush water rapidly washes liquid5 from the surface of the textile layer 14. Water will also pass throughapertures 59, 60 to flow over bleach tablet 50 and wash bleachcomponents out through aperture 56. Although the flush water may carrysome of the surfactant formulation 5 over the bleach tablet 50, thiswill be washed out through aperture 56 and so there will not beprolonged contact in cup 52. In any event, any discoloration at tablet50, for example, would not be visible to the user.

[0081] Plate 12 may be partitioned at line 63 of FIG. 6, or the fabriclayer stopped short of the apertures 59 for example at line 64 of FIG.6.

[0082] As mentioned above, tablet 50 may be in the form of a paste orgel, granules, etc. If desired, the tablet 50 may also be replaceableseparately to the container 6.

[0083] As indicated above, it is desirable to provide a liquidformulation in container 6 comprising surfactant, perfume, dye andoptionally a disinfecting agent. EP-A-775 741 describes suchformulations.

[0084] A preferred formulation is % by Weight Anionic Surfactant 26.5Nonionic Surfactant  5.0 Solvents 10.0 Antioxidant  0.004 Perfume 10.0Dye  0.0024 Preservative  0.1 Natrosol Cellulose Thickener  0.4* WaterBalance

[0085] The amount of natrosol is varied to achieve the desiredviscosity, which typically is in the range 350 to 5000 centipoise,preferably 2000 to 4000, measured in a Broomfield LV viscosimeter, 20°C., spindle 2, speed 6.

[0086] Bleach tablet formulations are also well known in the art, and atypical formulation would include Sodium dichloroisocyanurate ortrichlorocyanuric acid The latter is available from Arch Chemicals Ltd.Under the trade mark Fi-Tabs.

[0087] As indicated above, a solid tablet of an acidic material forlimescale removal or inhibition may be utilised, and a typicalformulation would incorporate 90% by weight of citric acid.

[0088] The bleach (or acid) component may be presented as a liquidformulation, and delivered from container 6. A typical liquid bleachformulation would be % by Weight Sodium hypochlorite 4.5 Sodiumhydroxide 0.8 Myristyl amine oxide 10.0 Sodium Xylene Sulphonate 0.75Water Balance

[0089] This would have a viscosity of about 3500 cps.

[0090] The material of the container 6 would be bleach resistant. Ableach resistant colorant or dye may be incorporated in the liquidbleach formulation so that a user can readily tell when the container isempty.

[0091] Other liquid bleach formulations are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5034 150, EP-A-233 666, EP-A-137 551, GB-A-1 466 560, for example.

[0092] An example of an acid formulation would be 10% hydrochloric acid,Tallow Ammonium Chloride type 1.5%, Alcohol Ethoxylate (non-ionic) 1.5%,dye, perfume and balance water to give a viscosity of about 500 Cps.Where the bleach or acid component is formulated as a liquid, then thesurfactant/perfume/dye component may be formulated as a solid, usingformulations well known in the art for solid rim sticks, comprisingsurfactant, solubility control agent (hydrophobe), perfume, colorant,electrolyte filler, etc.

[0093] The embodiment of FIG. 9 delivers two liquid compositions and issimilar in construction to the liquid rim device seen in WO 00/42261save that it delivers two liquid compositions, whilst maintaining themseparate.

[0094] A support member 70 is shown with part of its rear wall 72removed for clarity, and also the strap which is used to suspend theholder from the toilet bowl rim. A bottom wall 74 of the support member70 is divided into two separate parts 74 a, 74 b, separated by a gap 76.A cylinder or collar 78 extends up from each bottom wall portion 74 a,74 b, an aperture being provided in each wall portion 74 a, 74 b, withinthe area bound by the cylinder 78.

[0095] A delivery plate 80 is clipped to the underside of the wall 74.

[0096] As seen in FIG. 10, plate 80 has a spigot 82 positioned toproject up through the respective aperture in the wall 74.

[0097] A central dividing wall 84 divides the upper surface 86 of plate80 into separate halves. A series of grooves or channels 87 extend awayfrom the spigots 82.

[0098] A liquid container 90, which is generally transparent ortranslucent, has two separate compartments 92, 94, divided by a wall 96.It will be appreciated that container 90 may be formed as two separatemembers which are bonded together, or otherwise shaped to facilitatemanufacture.

[0099] An outlet opening or neck 98, 100 on each compartment 92, 94 fitssnugly in a respective cylinder 78, the spigot 82 displacing a frangibleseal as the container is pushed down into the support member 70.

[0100] Liquids from the compartments 92, 94 then flow down onto therespective surface portion 86 a, 86 b, of the delivery plate 80.Dividing wall 84 serves to keep the liquids separate as they migratealong the channels 87.

[0101] The device unctions generally as described in WO 00/42261 savethat different liquid compositions are delivered onto the differentdelivery surfaces 86 a, 86 b, and are kept separated by the wall 84,until they are washed into the toilet cistern. The liquid compositionsmay be formulated as described above in relation to the firstembodiment. Also, it will be appreciated that the liquid deliverysystems may be as described in the first embodiment, using a cup belowthe delivery surface and a capillary system to deliver liquid onto thedelivery surface, which could be a textile layer.

[0102] In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the support member itselfforms a cage for holding small tablets or pellets of a solid bleachformulation.

[0103] The drawings show a liquid dispensing device 110 similar inconstruction to the device seen in WO 00/42261. A container 112 oftranslucent polypropylene contains a liquid surfactant/dye/perfumemixture 113. Container 112 is held in a support member 114 which isclipped onto the rim of a toilet bowl by means of a flexible strap 116which is integral with a rear wall 118 of the support member.

[0104] Container 112 has an outlet 120 which is temporarily closed by acap 122. Cap 122 has a frangible seal 124 which, as seen in FIG. 8, isdisplaced by a spigot 125 when the container 112 is inserted in thesupport member 110. The remaining portion of cap 122 serves to form aseal between the outlet 120 and a cylindrical collar 128.

[0105] Collar 128 defines an opening 130 in a bottom wall 132 of thesupport member 110. Liquid from container 112 flows through outlet 120onto a delivery plate 134 which is clipped in place under wall 132.Spigot 125 projects up from plate 134, Grooves 136 extend away from thespigot 124 to duct liquid onto the exposed surface of plate 132, asdescribed in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus far, the arrangementis similar to that described in WO 00/42261.

[0106] The container 112 has sloping shoulders 138 to form a space 139in the support member 114 which is bound by the shoulders 138, rear wall118, front wall 140 and side walls 142.

[0107] Pellets 144 of a bleaching composition are housed in the space139.

[0108] Vertically extending through holes or slots 146 are formed in therear wall 118. These stop a few millimeters above the bottom wall 132.Slots 148 are formed in the front walls 140 and extend down to thebottom wall 132.

[0109] In use, flush water which impinges on plate 134 will also splashthrough the slots 146, into the space 139. This will wash over thetablets 144 to take some of the bleaching components into solution, andthe resultant solution will drip out through the front slots 148.

[0110] FIGS. 13 to 15 show a modified tablet holder for the embodimentof FIGS. 1 to 8. This tablet holder is arranged to hold the flush water,which enters the holder, in contact with the tablet for a short periodof time prior to releasing it into the toilet bowl. By having anoticeable residence period in the tablet holder, the flush water willtake components of the bleach block (or other block type in the holder)into solution in a more controlled manner. Also, by delaying thedrainage of the formed solution into the toilet bowl, the constituentsare less likely to be carried out of the bowl with the flushing water.

[0111] To achieve a residence time in the tablet holder we provide anoutlet aperture of small size, arranged to allow water to drain from thetablet holder in about 5 to 15 seconds. It is desirable to arrange forthe solution to drip into the toilet bowl while there is still someturbulence in the water in the bowl but after the flow of water out ofthe bowl has ended. To ensure that a sufficient quantity of water entersthe tablet holder, the plate 12 is sloped downwards towards the entryaperture 59, 60, preferably at an angle of about 10 to 20 degrees to thehorizontal, and preferably about 15 degrees, as seen in FIG. 16. Thehorizontal may be taken as the perpendicular to the main strap portion10 a (FIGS. 1 and 2). It will be appreciated that the actual angle ofthe plate 12 to the horizontal will depend on the orientation adapted bythe device when installed by the user on the toilet bowl rim 154 andthis itself may also vary between bowl designs.

[0112]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the tablet holder 8′ from therear side (i.e. the side of the delivery plate 12 when installed) cf.the view in FIG. 6. Inlet aperture 60′ aligns with the upper surface ofthe plate 12 or fabric layer 24 and aperture 59 in the rear wall of theholder 4 (see FIG. 6). Aperture 60′ is dimensioned to allow the tabletholder 8′ to fill to about the level of the aperture 60′ during aflushing cycle. Water filling the tablet holder 8′ eventually drainsfrom the tablet holder through outlet aperture 56′ in the bottom wall58. In this embodiment, the outlet aperture is about 1.3 mm across,typically starting to drain a few seconds after the flush has stopped,and continuing to drain for several minutes, preferably ten minutes ormore after the flush. Outlet aperture 56′ will be smaller than inletaperture 60′. The quantity of water in tablet holder 8′ will depend onthe amount of tablet left, but a quantity in the region of 5 cm³ ispreferred.

[0113] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8, bottom wall 58 is dished,sloping down to the outlet aperture 56′, and a tablet 8, is supported onradial ribs 61. A plurality of pins extend up from the bottom wall 58and the tablet is located between the pins 150. This ensures that thetablet is held clear of the inlet and outlet apertures 60′, 56, to avoidblocking them, and water can access the side and underneath of thetablet. Also, a shield plate 52 further protects the outlet aperture 56′to prevent tablet particles blocking the aperture.

[0114] Nibs 156 engage in recesses in the sidewalls of container 6 toclip the cage 8 to the container, to form a refill unit.

[0115] Typical formulations for a bleach tablet are given in table 1.TABLE 1 Document #: 798665 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ufaryl DL90 20 2015 20 Ufaryl DL80P 20 17.5 17.5 15 20 20 17.5 20 Hostapur SAS 93G 2017.5 17.5 15 20 20 20 20 17.5 20 15 20 S.D.I.C. 45 55 60 65 45 50 50 5055 45 45 40 Calcium Sulphate s.f.w. 10.3 1.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.3 21.3 15.3Plasthall 4141 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.0 1 Mineral Oil 3.5 3 3 2.5 3.5 33.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 3.5 Tytanpol R-002 0.2 — 0.2 0.2 0.2 Sodium Sulphate6 1 5 6 5.5

[0116] Material Chemical Name Unger Ufaryl DL90 Sodium AlkylarylSulphanate (Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate) Hostapur SAS 93G Secondaryalkane sulphonate, sodium salt (93%) Ufaryl DL80P Sodium AlkylarylSulphanate (Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate) Sodium Sulphate SodiumSulphate Mineral Oil White mineral oil, or Paraffin Oil Plasthall 4141Triethylene Glycol Caprate Caprylate Calcium Sulphate s.f.w. Gypsum, orCalcium Sulphate dihydrate S.D.I.C. Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate,dyhydrate

[0117] Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in theart and it is desired to include all such modifications as full withinthe scope of the accompanying claims.

1. A liquid dispensing unit for a toilet bowl, comprising a firstcontainer containing a first, liquid formulation, a second containercontaining a second formulation, and delivery means for automaticallydelivering the formulations to the toilet bowl.
 2. A liquid dispensingunit as claimed in claim 1, including a strap for suspending the unitfrom a rim of the toilet bowl.
 3. A liquid dispensing unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the first formulation comprises one or more of asurfactant, a dye and a perfume.
 4. A liquid dispensing unit as claimedin claim 3, wherein the second formulation is a solid.
 5. A liquiddispensing unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second formulationcontains a bleach.
 6. A liquid dispensing unit as claimed in claim 3,wherein the second formulation contains an acidic component forlimescale removal or inhibition.
 7. A liquid dispensing unit as claimedin claim 2, wherein the second formulation is a liquid.
 8. A liquiddispensing unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein one formulation containsone or more of a surfactant, a dye and a perfume, and the otherformulation contains a bleach, or an acidic component for limescaleinhibition.
 9. A liquid dispensing unit as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe or a liquid composition is delivered onto a delivery plate and, inuse, flush water washes the composition from the plate into the toiletbowl.
 10. A liquid dispensing unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ora liquid composition is delivered into a cup below the delivery plate,and ducted onto the upper surface of the plate by a capillary.
 11. Aliquid dispensing unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the delivery plateincludes a layer of textile material.
 12. A refill for a liquiddispensing unit as claimed in claim 4, comprising a liquid containercontaining a liquid composition, and a cage containing a solidcomposition, wherein the cage and the liquid container are clippedtogether to form a unit.
 13. A liquid dispensing unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the liquid formulation includes a bleach component. 14.A liquid dispensing unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second,solid formulation includes a colorant.
 15. A liquid dispensing unit fora toilet bowl, comprising a first container containing a first, liquidformulation, a holder for holding the container, a strap for suspendingthe unit from a rim of a toilet bowl, and a delivery surface, liquidfrom the container flowing onto the delivery surface and the deliverysurface being positioned in use, to be washed with flush water of thetoilet bowl to wash the liquid from the delivery surface into the toiletbowl, wherein a second liquid formulation is provided and means isprovided for releasing the second formulation into the toilet bowl. 16.A liquid dispensing unit for a toilet bowl, comprising a first containercontaining a first, liquid formulation, a holder for holding thecontainer, a strap for suspending the unit from a rim of a toilet bowland a delivery surface, liquid from the container flowing onto thedelivery surface and the delivery surface being positioned in use, to bewashed with flush water of the toilet bowl to wash the liquid from thedelivery surface into the toilet bowl, wherein a second, solidformulation is provided and means is provided for causing flush water towash over the second formulation.
 17. A liquid dispensing unit asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the first and second formulations are keptsubstantially separate until they have entered the flush water held inthe toilet bowl.
 18. A refill for a liquid dispensing unit which, inuse, is suspended from a rim of a toilet bowl, the refill comprising afirst container containing a liquid product, and a second containercontaining a solid product.
 19. A refill as claimed in claim 18, whereinthe first and second containers are separately formed.
 20. A refill asclaimed in claim 19, wherein the first and second containers cliptogether to form a unit.
 21. A container for containing a tablet ofmaterial for delivery into a toilet bowl, the container having an inletin a side wall for flush water to flow into the container toapproximately the level of the inlet, a base below the inlet level withan outlet aperture for the water, the base in use supporting a saidtablet, whereby water collects in the container to solubilise componentsof the tablet and drips from the container outlet over a period of time.22. A container as claimed in claim 21, wherein a plurality ofpositioning members are provided in the container to locate the tabletclear of the inlet and outlet apertures.
 23. A container as claimed inclaim 21, wherein a plate is provided adjacent the inlet aperture, theplate, in use, extending below the rim of a toilet bowl to collect flushwater and direct it towards the inlet aperture.
 24. A container asclaimed in claim 23, including a strap for suspending the container andplate from the rim of a toilet bowl, the plate being angled to slopedownwardly towards the aperture, in use.